News 08:00
BULLETIN 19 July 8 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# Paul Mashatile says South Africa continues to face significant water supply challenges
# The ANC encourages South Africans to register as voters in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy
# And rugby: The Boks whitewash Wales again
# Deputy president Paul Mashatile says South Africa continues to face significant water supply challenges in many parts of the country. Mashatile spoke at the launch of the unserved communities water access programme in Babanango, KwaZulu-Natal, yesterday. He says climate variables, ageing infrastructure, population growth, vandalism and under investment have all placed increasing pressure on the country’s water systems. He says by recognising these challenges, the government has prioritised water security as a national imperative:
# The federation Cosatu says inequality remains the major contributor to the painful sufferings and experiences of millions of South Africans. Cosatu spokesperson, Nonzuzo Dlamini, says the wealthy are immune to the everyday economic struggles endured by many. She says the working and middle classes battle to survive a stagnant economy, 43.7-percent unemployment, endemic crime and corruption, rising cost of living, and 82-percent of South African households are in debt:
# The ANC is encouraging all South Africans to register as voters for the upcoming local government elections in November, in honour of former president Nelson Mandela’s legacy. During the registration weekend, the Electoral Commission recorded 2.9-million registration transactions. This is an improvement from the 1.7-million transactions recorded during the voter registration weekend for the comparable election in 2021. The ANC acting spokesperson, Nonceba Mhlauli, says the Commission announced 1 and 2 August as the final voter registration weekend for the upcoming elections.
# The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable foreign nationals affected by ongoing anti-migrant protests. This comes after the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign raised issues about the treatment of migrants and foreign nationals in South Africa, including calls for greater humanitarian support, protection for vulnerable people, and clarity on repatriation processes. The committee says government departments, provincial administrations, municipalities, health authorities and humanitarian organisations have been working together to provide healthcare services, food, water, sanitation and social support to affected individuals.
# The United States launched new strikes against Iran after it earlier announced that two US military personnel were killed in Jordan and another was missing following an Iranian attack. The announcement brings the number of US service members killed since the war began to 16, while more than 420 have been wounded. The conflict, which began with US and Israel strikes on Iran at the end of February, has led to major disruption to energy supplies, fears over global inflation, and a battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz.
# And rugby: The Springboks ensured they completed the home leg of their Nations Championship campaign by scoring seven tries in an emphatic 43-0 win over Wales at Kings Park in Durban. It was the third game in a row that the Boks won with a bonus point, meaning that they have maximum points from their games played so far. It puts them level with the All Blacks on log points in the southern section of the log, but they are ahead on points differential. The new competition takes a break now until the southern hemisphere teams head north in November.
Stay tuned for more news………….